Transmitter Pad State Switching for Low-Power High-Speed Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

As signal frequencies increase in electronic devices, power consumption also increases, posing a challenge for battery-operated devices like smartphones and smartwatches, necessitating a reduction in power consumption during communication.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a transmitter that switches between pull-up, pull-down, and impedance matching states to transmit signals, using variable resistance elements and matching circuits to optimize power usage, particularly in memory devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the frequency of signals communicated between electronic devices is increased, then communication speed is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitter dynamically switches between three operating states (pull-up, pull-down, and impedance matching) based on the signal being transmitted. This dynamic state switching allows the system to optimize power consumption for each signal type while maintaining high communication speed through appropriate circuit configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the transmitter by switching between different circuit states. The pull-up state connects to a power node, the pull-down state connects to a ground node, and the impedance matching state applies a specific impedance to the communication channel. These parameter changes enable efficient power usage across different signal conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If power consumption is reduced during signal transmission, then battery life is improved, but communication reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different circuit configurations (local qualities) to match the specific signal requirements. For logic high signals, a pull-up configuration is used; for logic low signals, a pull-down configuration is used; and for differential signals, an impedance matching configuration is applied. This localized optimization ensures reliable communication for each signal type while minimizing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The impedance matching circuit acts as an intermediary between the transmitter and the communication channel. It provides optimal signal coupling and reduces reflections, thereby improving communication reliability for differential signals while maintaining low power consumption through efficient energy transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250348236A1Electronic device communicating with external device, operating method of electronic device, and electronic system including electronic devices

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device includes a pad that is connected to an external device, and a transmitter that drives the pad to one of a first state, a second state, and a third state when a signal is transmitted to the external device. The first state includes a pull-up state, the second state includes a pull-down state, and the third state includes a state in which the pad is connected to a ground node to which a ground voltage is applied through a matching circuit.